Park University is one of 20 colleges/universities nationwide to receive a Best Value School distinction by University Research & Review, an organization created by former college/university presidents, provosts, professors and chief executive officers to recognize unique and reasonably priced American universities and colleges.

Park is the only college/university based in the Kansas City region to earn a spot on the list, and is one of two Missourischools to make the list.

UR&R examined 3,000 colleges and universities based on criteria established by higher education experts. The organization weighed net cost, uniqueness and student satisfaction to determine the top 20 schools for distinction. A major factor for consideration was special programs for specific groups, such as those serving the military.

“The toughest hurdle for many institutions was determining whether students actually liked the school they were attending,” said Joseph Schmoke, UR&R founder and former university chief executive officer. In the above photo, Schmoke (left) is joined by Clarinda Creighton, Park University associate vice president for student affairs, and Jerry Jorgensen, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president.

Schmoke explained that the difference between the UR&R process and other school ranking processes was looking beyond simple metrics and gaining perspective from students and university professionals.

“There has to be something special about a school. The students have to love it, and the top administrators must exhibit a passion for their mission,” Schmoke said.

For more information about the Best Value School Award and the list of distinguished schools, visit www.bestvaluecolleges.org.

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Eric Jacobson has more than a quarter-century of experience in successfully leading employees and teams through times of revenue growth, new product development, integration and re-engineering. Eric is an experienced mentor and coach and holds an MBA degree from Keller Graduate School. His passion is helping individuals to become effective leaders at work, within organizations and wherever they are called upon to lead and inspire. You can reach Eric at this address to provide feedback and to make topic suggestions. You can also contact Eric if you are a business leader who would like to be interviewed for the Kansas City Leadership column on Examiner.com.

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